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tncrocke's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
batsinthecastle's review against another edition
3.0
While I initially liked the beginning (think Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter , in that the author is reading the journal of the narrator of the story), and the audiobook narrator sounded like Neil Patrick Harris (with less wit in his tone), I got to about disc 6 and found myself constantly tuning in and out of the book. In the end, my rating goes as following:
1st-Star: Great start! Very intriguing that someone was brought in to read these journals.
2nd-Star: The study of monstrumology as a practice, in which the person(s) taking part in it must be attent to detail as well as quick on their feet or they may end up dead, is fascinating.
-1 Star: You could have may a drinking game (and lost) for every time Pellinore Warthrup(right?!) said "Snap to" "Snap to Will Henry!" The repetition and the constant struggle between curious boy and wise Doctor grew old and tiresome fast. Even when motives were explained, it felt like too little too late.
3rd Star: Rick Yancey wasn't afraid to shy away from the bloody, gory details. I found myself surprised with the first autopsy as well as the first death. It was brutal but described in such a way that it was cinematic. Which I suppose is disturbing, but it kept me reading when the book began to feel like homework. (Sorry Rick.)
Total stars - 3
1st-Star: Great start! Very intriguing that someone was brought in to read these journals.
2nd-Star: The study of monstrumology as a practice, in which the person(s) taking part in it must be attent to detail as well as quick on their feet or they may end up dead, is fascinating.
-1 Star: You could have may a drinking game (and lost) for every time Pellinore Warthrup(right?!) said "Snap to" "Snap to Will Henry!" The repetition and the constant struggle between curious boy and wise Doctor grew old and tiresome fast. Even when motives were explained, it felt like too little too late.
3rd Star: Rick Yancey wasn't afraid to shy away from the bloody, gory details. I found myself surprised with the first autopsy as well as the first death. It was brutal but described in such a way that it was cinematic. Which I suppose is disturbing, but it kept me reading when the book began to feel like homework. (Sorry Rick.)
Total stars - 3
mehsi's review against another edition
1.0
Dropped at 41%.
So, I was definitely eager to read this and was happy that I got a chance when there was a challenge on my group and my buddy and I picked this one. We were both excited, but our excitement quickly turned sour with this book. On the one hand, I am glad we both didn’t like it, as we can now switch books. \o/
Here is why I found this book absolutely urghhhhhh.
Let’s start with our MC, Will Henry, or as I would call him Will (though I also gotten to the point of calling him wimpy and a puppy (as he does everything the doctor tells him to do and tries to please him)). He was just so boring and bland. The way he told us his story, man, I even noticed I was falling asleep, and sometimes I just tuned out, because I know I was reading but I had no clue what I was reading. :P Which had me re-reading again. Urgh. I wish he would just go away from his master, maybe then I would appreciate him a little bit more.
It also didn’t help that the story was told in an old-fashioned way and had words that were unfamiliar to me, and I normally have a pretty good grasp of English, but here I was, looking up words left and right. Some words, I found out, were just fancy words for something simpler. I can tell you it didn’t make reading the book easier, having to look up words quite a few times.
And then there are the sentences, they just seemed to go on, having to describe everything. Please, leave something for the imagination.
And, once again, I just can’t handle gore any more. I know years ago, I would probably have loved the gore, because back then I even watch Elfen Lied (search for it or try an episode). Due to the long descriptions, everything that happened when someone was attacked by those things/monsters, was there. From the arms being ripped off in detailed disgustingness to monsters popping out of people’s backs. shivers And with my imagination and my mind loving to turn words > images, I had to hold my food in for quite a few scenes. is still sick now she thinks of those scenes
The doctor. What a dickwad. I hated him from the first page, and it only got worse with every Snap to.. Which he loved to say to his slave… um I mean assistant, Will. Then there are the countless times that he doesn’t feed the boy (or just gives him some water with 2 vegetables (if lucky)), sleep is for the weak, and he doesn’t care if the boy has his own opinions or has questions. He is constantly being mean to Will, constantly putting him in his place. There was even one time that Will decided to make food for himself and his master, but instead of gratitude he was berated, told he was an imbecile, and the doctor even asked if he had a mental illness for asking things when he was confused why the doctor wasn’t happy. Then the doctor continues his berating, and really, I just wanted to dunk the freaking asshat in the soup. And this is just one scene, I could give you many more examples.
The horror? Well, sure, there were some parts that were interesting (albeit gory) but they were few and far between. I believe the only times I actually was interested in reading it was during the graveyard scene, and the one on the boat. Sure, both times I had to stop myself from puking, but hey, at least I wasn’t falling asleep! Which is an upgrade. :P
So I could go on, but I just want to get rid of this book and not think about it any more. What a terrible waste of time this one was. Not recommended.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So, I was definitely eager to read this and was happy that I got a chance when there was a challenge on my group and my buddy and I picked this one. We were both excited, but our excitement quickly turned sour with this book. On the one hand, I am glad we both didn’t like it, as we can now switch books. \o/
Here is why I found this book absolutely urghhhhhh.
Let’s start with our MC, Will Henry, or as I would call him Will (though I also gotten to the point of calling him wimpy and a puppy (as he does everything the doctor tells him to do and tries to please him)). He was just so boring and bland. The way he told us his story, man, I even noticed I was falling asleep, and sometimes I just tuned out, because I know I was reading but I had no clue what I was reading. :P Which had me re-reading again. Urgh. I wish he would just go away from his master, maybe then I would appreciate him a little bit more.
It also didn’t help that the story was told in an old-fashioned way and had words that were unfamiliar to me, and I normally have a pretty good grasp of English, but here I was, looking up words left and right. Some words, I found out, were just fancy words for something simpler. I can tell you it didn’t make reading the book easier, having to look up words quite a few times.
And then there are the sentences, they just seemed to go on, having to describe everything. Please, leave something for the imagination.
And, once again, I just can’t handle gore any more. I know years ago, I would probably have loved the gore, because back then I even watch Elfen Lied (search for it or try an episode). Due to the long descriptions, everything that happened when someone was attacked by those things/monsters, was there. From the arms being ripped off in detailed disgustingness to monsters popping out of people’s backs. shivers And with my imagination and my mind loving to turn words > images, I had to hold my food in for quite a few scenes. is still sick now she thinks of those scenes
The doctor. What a dickwad. I hated him from the first page, and it only got worse with every Snap to.. Which he loved to say to his slave… um I mean assistant, Will. Then there are the countless times that he doesn’t feed the boy (or just gives him some water with 2 vegetables (if lucky)), sleep is for the weak, and he doesn’t care if the boy has his own opinions or has questions. He is constantly being mean to Will, constantly putting him in his place. There was even one time that Will decided to make food for himself and his master, but instead of gratitude he was berated, told he was an imbecile, and the doctor even asked if he had a mental illness for asking things when he was confused why the doctor wasn’t happy. Then the doctor continues his berating, and really, I just wanted to dunk the freaking asshat in the soup. And this is just one scene, I could give you many more examples.
The horror? Well, sure, there were some parts that were interesting (albeit gory) but they were few and far between. I believe the only times I actually was interested in reading it was during the graveyard scene, and the one on the boat. Sure, both times I had to stop myself from puking, but hey, at least I wasn’t falling asleep! Which is an upgrade. :P
So I could go on, but I just want to get rid of this book and not think about it any more. What a terrible waste of time this one was. Not recommended.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
erinthelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic read. The language and setting really set the tone. I had heard others describe it as "gruesome" and I poo-pooed it since I can handle gruesome - well I was wrong! It's an incredibly gorey book and I was unable to eat and read certain portions - but in a good way. Teens looking for a good horror read will enjoy it as well teens who are sophisticated readers looking for an intense ride. It was a bit slow going at first, but once the action picked up I was hooked.
reginas_books's review against another edition
2.0
I was considering putting this on my Young Adult shelf, but ultimately decided not to for one GLARING reason: characterization.
No matter how entertaining this gore-filled, Victorian-style monster tale may be, the one thing that is utterly pathetic about this book is the lack of personality from the characters. Plot is fast-paced, and tries to surprise, but not overly amazing either.
No matter how entertaining this gore-filled, Victorian-style monster tale may be, the one thing that is utterly pathetic about this book is the lack of personality from the characters. Plot is fast-paced, and tries to surprise, but not overly amazing either.
samanthas92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
love monster stories, this one was no different but it could have been much shorter and still packed the so punch
pcgonzo's review against another edition
4.0
Was NOT expecting this. Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist is a visceral, gory, morbid and incredibly violent novel that pulls not a single punch in its depiction of a nineteenth century scientist and his young ward as they try to stop a pod of man-eating creatures from destroying a small community. Yancey brilliantly depicts all of his characters as damaged, flawed and fairly unlikeable, yet even the most horrific characters are portrayed as real people, with real motivations and not just as plot points. I can't say it's a book for everyone - again, it is incredibly graphic - but if you have a pre-teen or teen who can take it, The Monstrumologist is a page-turning, exciting and surprisingly moving read. RECOMMENDED.
citty's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hdbblog's review against another edition
5.0
Can I please begin this review by professing my love for Will Henry? I'll be honest. He was the one thing that really bound me to this book and made it so enjoyable for me. A mere child, he saw the world with such unflinching honesty. His abject devotion to a man who rarely shows him any affection or even acknowledgement impressed me. That, and this boy was able to deal with some of the most gruesome deaths I've read about. Needless to say, Will Henry is amazing. His character made me a part of this book from the first few chapters, and I didn't look back.
Filled with twists and turns, The Monstrumologist is absolutely one of my favorite reads of the year. The vivid writing in this book is (and yes this is a pun) to die for! Set in the late 19th century, Rick Yancey shows very well how much research he did into the era. The setting is dark, gritty and raw. After thinking for a long while, I really couldn't think of a better place to set a book like this. Some of the things that Professor Warthrop does are, well, questionable. It is his status and his friendships that allow him to get away with it in this Victorian era.
Reader be warned, this book is not for the faint of heart. Although this book has a younger protagonist, there are some disturbing parts that may not be appropriate for younger readers. There are scenes in this book that even caused me to feel a little queasy. However the writing is so fascinating that it pulls you in and literally makes you read on. Let it be known though that the gore in this book is not just there as a scare tactic. It is a crucial part of the overall storyline. It gives us a glimpse at the darkest parts of human nature. The scientific aspect that goes with the monstrumologists's hunts also makes it less difficult to deal with. After all, he's just doing his job, right?
I'm not actually sure what else I can say about this book without spoiling it for those who haven't yet read it. As you can tell from my rambling review, I loved it! As long as you are strong willed and okay with some gruesome scenes, this book will have you reading until your eyes hurt. For those of you who need to be captured within the first 100 pages? This book will do that for you. Go out, get a copy, read it. You won't be disappointed!
Filled with twists and turns, The Monstrumologist is absolutely one of my favorite reads of the year. The vivid writing in this book is (and yes this is a pun) to die for! Set in the late 19th century, Rick Yancey shows very well how much research he did into the era. The setting is dark, gritty and raw. After thinking for a long while, I really couldn't think of a better place to set a book like this. Some of the things that Professor Warthrop does are, well, questionable. It is his status and his friendships that allow him to get away with it in this Victorian era.
Reader be warned, this book is not for the faint of heart. Although this book has a younger protagonist, there are some disturbing parts that may not be appropriate for younger readers. There are scenes in this book that even caused me to feel a little queasy. However the writing is so fascinating that it pulls you in and literally makes you read on. Let it be known though that the gore in this book is not just there as a scare tactic. It is a crucial part of the overall storyline. It gives us a glimpse at the darkest parts of human nature. The scientific aspect that goes with the monstrumologists's hunts also makes it less difficult to deal with. After all, he's just doing his job, right?
I'm not actually sure what else I can say about this book without spoiling it for those who haven't yet read it. As you can tell from my rambling review, I loved it! As long as you are strong willed and okay with some gruesome scenes, this book will have you reading until your eyes hurt. For those of you who need to be captured within the first 100 pages? This book will do that for you. Go out, get a copy, read it. You won't be disappointed!